Potholes - drivers asked to report problems

POTHOLES are proving a headache for motorists again and West Sussex County Council is asking drivers to help keep the roads in the best condition possible by reporting any problems when they spot them.

“As we experience another severe winter it is unfortunately inevitable that potholes will appear on our roads,” said Lionel Barnard, county council deputy leader with responsibility for Highways and Transport.

“During the 2010/2011 financial year we have invested £15 million in permanent road repairs, including resurfacing, deep patching and surface dressing.

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“However we know that despite this we are still bound to see potholes appearing following the snow and freezing conditions.”

During the winter weather roads are exposed to a condition known as ‘freeze-thaw’, which damages them in wet and particularly freezing conditions. The water gathers in small cracks in the roads and expands when frozen, causing the surface to break up, which results in potholes appearing.

This year the county council used more than 25,500 tonnes of chippings, 3,000 tonnes of bitumen and 35,000 tonnes of new tarmac to improve the condition of roads in West Sussex.

Mr Barnard added: “We hope that the investment made this year will have made the roads more resilient to damage. However, we are asking people to help keep the roads in the best condition possible by reporting problems to us as early as possible.”

People can report potholes by calling 01243 642105 or via the county council website at http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/